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Essential Oils are aromatic volatile liquids extracted from plants and their different parts like flowers, barks, leaves, stems, roots, fruits etc. As for example Cinnamon oil is extracted from the bark of cinnamon, orange and lemon oils from the rind of their fruits, lavender oil from its flowers etc.

Essential Oils and Aroma Therapy

Methods of Extraction of Essential Oils

There are various methods of extraction of essential oils. The most popular method of extraction is Steam distillation. Other methods include Expression, Solvent extraction, Enfleurage, Maceration etc.
Expression is a cold pressed method and is used for extracting oils from the rind of citrus fruits such as orange, lemon, grape fruit, bergamot etc.

Enfleurage is another method of extraction of essential oil and is usually used to extract oil from fairly soft plant materials like buds, flowers, petals etc. This method is very expensive and the process involved in this method is lengthy. Solvent extraction method is used for extracting oil from delicate plant materials which cannot tolerate heat and are damaged by heat. For example: rose and jasmine. It is less expensive than Enfleurage method. Read the rest of this entry »

Sweet Almond Oil: – Sweet Almond Oil is a light weight, mild, non greasy oil and is one of the most commonly used carrier oils. It is suitable for all types of skin. It does not clog the pores of the skin and easily absorbed into the skin. It helps in relieving itching, irritation and inflammation of the skin. It is a very good moisturizer, helps to leave the skin soft and smooth. It is used for facial treatment and body massage.

Apricot Kernel Oil: – Color of Apricot Kernel Oil is virtually clear with a tinge of yellow and it has a faint aroma. It is suitable for all types of skin. It is used for facial message. It softens rough skin and used for the treatment of inflamed skin and slowing down the aging process.

Avocado Oil: – Avocado Oil has a sweet aroma and its color is deep olive green. It is rich in amino acid, vitamins and minerals. It heals scaly skin, softens and moisturizes dry skin. It can be used for the treatment of sun damaged skin, acne and eczema. It is nourishing oil not only for skin but for hair also.

Jojoba Oil: – Actually Jojoba oil is not an oil but a liquid wax. Its color is yellow. It is nourishing and soothing oil for skin of all types and it is a scalp cleanser also. It is a good moisturizer and gently unclogs the pores. It is an antioxidant and used for the treatment of acne.

Grape seed Oil: – Grape seed oil has a light, sweet and a bit nutty aroma. Its texture is thin and its color is usually clear. It is easily absorbed by the skin. It helps to tone and tighten the skin. It is useful for the treatment of acne and other skin problems. It contains linoleic acid which is an essential fatty acid and is important for the skin and the cell membranes. It is a moisturizer and nourishes the skin. It is used in the preparation of body creams, hair care products and massage oils. Read the rest of this entry »

Carrier oils are vegetable oils extracted from the fatty portions of plants – from kernels, seeds and the nuts. Since essential oils are concentrated and if applied in undiluted form may cause severe itching or irritation. So carrier oils are mixed with concentrated essential oils to dilute them prior to application. Carrier oils are also known as base oils and they carry essential oils to the body. Essential oils are volatile.

carrier oils and aromatherapy

Carrier oils do not evaporate readily as essential oils. They are either odorless or have very faint nutty odor. There are a numbers of carrier oils and each has its own sets of therapeutic benefits. By looking at their therapeutic properties, uses and their suitability according to our needs carrier oils should have to be chosen. Effectiveness and value of an essential oil depends on the properties and proportions of carrier oils used in the blend. In Aromatherapy carrier oils used in the blend can change shelf life, texture, color and aroma of essential oils. So carrier oils play important role in Aromatherapy.

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